Copper-alloy, 115 grams, 85.16 mm. 1st-4th century AD. A hollow-cast figurine depicting a naked male child perched on the shoulder of a lion, depicted with outstretched left paw resting on the end of a cornucopia. The modelling of the infant is handled well, with a centre-parted coiffure, incised bands on the upper arms, the right hand resting gently on the powerful neck of the beast. The right arm was lost in antiquity. The lion has a triangular muzzle and thick curled mane, carefully modelled claws and facial details; its body curls beneath the child's to support it. The rear of the trunk was lost in antiquity as well as the lower right leg. There are three crescentic punchmarks on the beast's chest. The motif of the cupid on the back of the lion is derived from the writings of Ovid, illustrating the theme of 'love conquers the savage nature'. Sometimes the cupid is shown holding reins around the lion's head, a theme which was later picked up in the Renaissance in, for example, The Triumph of Love by Titian. Reference: cf. the cupid pommel figurine in Murawski, P. Benet's Artefacts of England and the United Kingdom, Ely, 2003 p.108 item R04-0206. Very fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection, with custom built display stand.